healing the whole human being…
Body, Soul and Spirit
The North American Association for Anthroposophic Nurses (NAANA)
Anthroposophic Nursing (AN) is an expression of Holistic care giving, encompassing the physical and spiritual nature of the human being. Rudolf Steiner, PhD and Ita Wegman, MD collaborated in clinics in Arlesheim, Switzerland in the early 1900s to develop a holistic approach to medicine that would offer healing to the whole Human Being, body, soul and spirit.
Anthroposophic nursing understands the human being to be a free, evolving being which has manifold connections to self, nature, culture and the cosmos on the various levels of body, soul and spirit. Nursing serves to maintain, or where necessary, regain or redevelop these connections. Each human being is the measure of these evolving interactions. During their treatments, the nurses work closely with the elements of warmth, rhythm, and conscious awareness. This is of key importance in supporting and nurturing the patients own life giving healing forces.
Nurses interested in AN have the opportunity to expand and deepen their nursing impulse in the art of healing and their own inner development through continuing education offered by NAANA. AN practice includes external applications of therapeutic substances through teas, footbaths, compresses, embrocations (Einreibung) and hydrotherapy. NAANA is affiliated with the International Forum for Anthroposophic Nursing (IFAN) at the Medical Section of the School for Spiritual Science, Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland.
According to the International Association the special characteristics of Anthroposophic Nursing are:
A holistic, integrative image of the human being which provides the guidance of the anthroposophic nursing activities.
Support of recovery and healing processes with special attention to the individual developmental needs of the patient.
The use of wraps, compresses, baths and embrocations to strengthen the self-healing forces within the patient.
Takes into account biological, soul, and spiritual rhythms in nursing.
Commitment by nursing staff to ongoing professional and personal development.
NAANA MISSION STATEMENT: The North American Association for Anthroposophic Nurses (NAANA) strives to uphold and cultivate the Anthroposophic medical and nursing practices indicated by Rudolf Steiner and Ita Wegman. It will work to further enhance the quality of care giving and to develop and support the community of Anthroposophic nurses through peer support, education, research, and collective collaboration.
VISION STATEMENT: The art of Anthroposophic Nursing will contribute to the healing of the human being, in light of Anthroposophy, while becoming integrated within the medical systems of today. It’s principles and gestures will serve the individual development of nurses and care givers in North America and around the world.
For questions about membership and NAANA, please visit here, or send a message to anthronursing@gmail.com.
Accredited by the International Forum for Anthroposophic Nursing (IFAN) in the Medical Section of the School of Spiritual Science at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. IFAN represents national professional Anthroposophic Nursing Organizations worldwide.
An Overview of Rhythmical Einreibung
An Application of Therapeutic Qualities of Touch
Rhythmical Einreibungen is an Anthroposophic Nursing treatment that weaves together the polar principles of form and life to support health. The forms of the hand movements are guided by the structure and function of each body part. Archetypal form principles of straight line and circle enhance these movements. Imbuing each movement with the qualities of rhythm, breathing and warmth unites the forms with the realm of life. Gently and fluidly the hand movements glide over the body supporting inner harmony and a sense of well-being.
Rhythmical Einreibungen addresses directly the etheric and physical bodies of the human being; bringing renewal of the etheric body’s inherent well-spring of life forces and supporting it’s enlivening of the physical body. The higher members of the individual also respond to this treatment, renewing their interest to work through the bodily organization in a harmonious way. Overall the effect is to support both unconscious life processes and consciousness. It is recognized that the patient receives the gift of Rhythmical Einreibungen and inwardly works with it in a way unique to individual needs. The gentleness of the approach allows for this individual inner effect. Rhythmical Einreibungen is a treatment in itself, and at the same time enhances receptivity to the therapeutic substances applied via the skin during the treatment.
“Our hands serve the Rhythmical Einreibungen, by way of practicing real human touch, using the substances in a specific way, and bearing witness to the rhythms of the world.”
~ Herman Glaser
Anthroposophic nursing care goes beyond the communicative approach of soft skills. Nurses form a bridge between treatment of the body and treatment of the patient’s soul and spirit by actively valuing the human body, paying attention to touch, using warmth, cold, air, and light to promote healing processes, and much more. Although physical wellbeing, autonomy, and youthfulness are central to our modern materialistic culture, our bodies actually receive little respect and appreciation, especially when they become ill and eventually old. Nursing values need to be rediscovered that respect the debased human being, embrace illness as a part of existence, and allow time for healing. A key aspect of this book involves the idea and practice of “nursing gestures,” relating inner attitudes and practical nursing activities to one another in detail through numerous examples and overviews.
Anthroposophic Nursing Practice shows not only the possibility, but also the practical experience of nursing care, which aims to be both holistic and optimistic. The knowledge and perspectives gathered in this book have matured through the work of several generations of anthroposophically oriented nurses, all striving to refine a truly integrative nursing practice.
Available at steinerbooks.presswarehouse.com